Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn wants the British-Nigerian to face Dillian Whyte this summer as the former heavyweight champion plots a path back to the top of the division.
Joshua overcame Jermaine Franklin on April 1 at the O2 Arena via unanimous decision, his first victory in the ring since December 2020.
Speculation has followed Joshua and his team since regarding his next opponent, with the heavyweight himself stating that he desires a bout with Tyson Fury after his unconvincing triumph over Franklin.
Hearn, however, is seeking a much more steady path, with the promoter picking Whyte as his choice for Joshua’s next opponent.
The pair last fought in December 2015, with Joshua triumphing via technical knockout on that occasion.
“Yes (Dillian Whyte),’ Hearn told IFLTV when asked if the 35-year-old Whyte could face Joshua this summer.
“I think that it is the fight. I want him to fight in the summer and I think it would be in his best interest for his progression under Derrick James before a fight like that (Deontay Wilder or Fury).
“I would expect all the other fighters (in the tournament) to fight in the summer and I don’t think he should be the one that doesn’t, but we’ll see what happens next week.”